Are Europeans worrying themselves sick over pesticides?

A European Commission survey on popular food concerns this year showed that 70% of Europeans were either ‘worried’ or ‘very worried’ about pesticides in their food. That is more than are worried about food poisoning or diseases including mad cow disease and bird flu.

Every year the Commission tests pesticide residues in thousands of samples of fresh and processed food sold across Europe. Around 5% of samples in the most recent reports showed traces of pesticides exceeding EU maximum residue levels (MRLs).

Environmental campaigners this year were particularly unhappy to see excessive levels in 2.7% of processed baby foods tested. Genon Jensen of the Health & Environment Alliance, a conservation group, says the results showed the need to take a tougher line when it comes to authorising pesticides.

"We know children’s development systems are much more likely than adults’ to be affected by pesticides," says Jensen, pointing to research linking chemicals to foetal brain damage. "Exposure to pesticides for babies and unborn children could increase the risk of chronic adult disorders, including cancer."

If evidence suggests a possible link between a pesticide and damage to the foetus, but the link cannot be absolutely proved, she says, a precautionary approach is essential and the pesticide should come off the market.

"The foetus is the most critical part of society," says Jensen. "I can’t think of any benefits [a pesticide could offer] that would cancel out the risk of damaging a foetal brain."

"The EU should have policies for reducing dependency on pesticides and a tougher approach to authorisation - especially when it comes to vulnerable groups like babies and pregnant women."

"The science is out there and people expect action," concludes Jensen.

Stuart Rutherford of pesticides group the European Crop Protection Association (EPCA) says the annual MRL assessment shows that "year on year we face very low exposure to pesticides…it is very important people are not falsely put off eating fresh fruit, vegetables and grains because of this information."

Research showing the health benefits of certain diets, he says, used "standard EU fruit and vegetables" that possibly contain trace pesticides.

Rutherford played down the MRL assessments targeting children’s food.

"A few years ago extra stringent legislation on baby food was passed, because of the understandable and emotional idea that normal risk assessments don’t work for babies. From a strictly scientific point of view that’s not true."

A European Commission survey on popular food concerns this year showed that 70% of Europeans were either ‘worried’ or ‘very worried’ about pesticides in their food. That is more than are worried about food poisoning or diseases including mad cow disease and bird flu.